Adjustable bulkhead



NOV- 14, 1967 R. F. LEHNERT ETAL 3,352,257

ADJUSTABLE BULKHEAD Nov. 14, 1967 R. F. LEHNERT ETAL 3,352,257

ADJUSTABLE BULK'HIN.)

Filed Feb. 9, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 a M4 4 Z4 gz/471 7? 22g? 22s;

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United States Patent C) 3,352,257 ADJUSTABLE BULKHEAD Robert F. Lehnert, Detroit, .lames R. Bennett, New Boston, John l. Moorhead, Northville, and Kenneth R. Jenkins, Detroit, Mich., assignors to Evans Products Company, Plymouth, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Filed Feb. 9, 1965, Ser. No. 431,300 26 Claims. (Cl. 105 376) This invention relates to an adjustable bulkhead for retaining cargo within a railway car or the like and more particularly to an improved latch means for retaining the bulkhead in its adjusted position.

It is desirable to provide an adjustable bulkhead that extends across a railway car or similar cargo carrying vehicle for retaining the cargo in position within the car, particularly when the car is only partially loaded. The bulkheads employed for this purpose are relatively heavy since they must support a great deal of weight against movement under high forces as are encountered during humping or switching of the railway cars. The bulkheads, however, should be freely movable to permit their adjustment by a minimum number of operators. When positioned in their `adjusted location they must be latched or otherwise locked to preclude subsequent movement. The locking means heretofore provided for this purpose have not been completely satisfactory for all applications.

It, therefore, is a principal object of this invention to provide an adjustable bulkhead for retaining articles within a railway car that embodies an improved mechanism for locking the bulkhead in its adjusted position.

Frequently the location of the cargo within the railway car or the adjusted position of the bulkhead is such that free access to the bulkhead by the operator is not possible. In some instances it may be desirable to release and move the position of the bulkhead externally of the car as through a slide loading door.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an adjustable bulkhead having a latching means with a plurality of operating handles so that the bulkhead may be located in position or released for adjustment from any of a plurality of locations.

It is another object of this invention to provide an irnproved multiple handle locking mechanism for an adjustable Ibulkhead wherein the locking mechanism that retains the bulkhead in its adjusted position may be released through the operation of any one of the handles without concurrent motion of the remaining handles.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide an improved locking mechanism for an adjustable bulkhead that embodies a safety mechanism so that the locking mechanism that retains the bulkhead in its adjusted position cannot be accidentally released.

An adjustable bulkhead embodying this invention cornprises a structural frame for restraining movement of articles within a railway car. Locking means are carried by the frame for xing the frame relative to the car. A plurality of spaced operating handles are provided for the locking means. Actuating linkage means interconnects each of the operating handles with the locking means. The actuating linkage means includes means whereby the locking means may be actuated by either of the handles without concurrent motion of the remaining handles.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become more apparent as this description proceeds, particularly when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a partial cross-sectional view taken transversely through a railway car including an adjustable bulkhead embodying this invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged elevational view of the bulkhead shown in FIGURE 1;

ICC

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged view of a trolley :beam assembly that supports the bulkhead for movement along the length of the railway car;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 4 4 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5 5 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6 6 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 7 is an elevational view taken in the direction of the arrows 7 7 of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8 8 of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 9 9 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 10 l0 of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is an elevational view taken in the direction of the arrow 11 in FIGURE 10; and

FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12 12 of FIGURE 11.

Referring now in detail to the drawings and in particular to FIGURE 1, a railway car or other cargo carrying vehicle is indicated generally by the reference numeral 21. The railway car 21 has a pair of side walls 22 and 23 that extend longitudinally of the car although they may be interrupted by side loading doors (not shown). A floor 24 extends transversely between the side walls 22 and 23. A roof (not shown) may extend across the upper end of the side walls 22 and 23 to fully enclose the car. An adjustable bulkhead assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 25, is supported within the car 21 and extends transversely thereacross between the side walls 22 and 23 although it is spaced slightly inwardly therefrom.

The bulkhead 25 includes a structural frame assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 26, made up of a plurality of fabricated structural members. The frame 26 includes a left side vertical I-beam 2-7 having a web 28 and end plates 29. A similar, right side vertical I-beam 31 includes a web 32 and end plates 33 and 34. A top, horizontal I-bearn 35 extends between the side I-beams 27 and 31 at their upper end and a horizontal bottom I-beam 36 extends between the side I-beams 27 and 31 at their lower ends. The top I-beam 35 includes a web 37 that extends between the end plates 29, 33 and 34 of the side I-beams 27 and 31 and is welded to their webs 28 and 32, respectively. Side members 38 of the top I-beam 35 are welded to the respective side members of the I-beams 27 and 31. The bottom I-beam 36 also includes a web 39 that is welded to the webs 28 and 32 of the side I-beams 27 land 31 and end plates 41 that are welded to the respective side plates of the side I-beams 27 and 31. A center vertical I- beam 42 extends generally through the middle of the frame 26 from the bottom I-beam 36 to the top I-beam 35. The I-beam 42 includes a web 43 that is allfixed to the webs 39 and 37 and end plates 44 that are atlxed -to the respective end plates 41 and 38 of the I-beams 36 and 35. A pair of fabricated channels 45 and 46 extend from the vertically extending I-beam 42 to the side I-beams 27 and 31, respectively. The channel 45 comprises a base plate 47 that is supported upon a structural angle 48 that extends between the end plates of the I-beam 27 (FIGURE 2) and a ilat plate 49 that is welded to the end plates of the I-beam 42. Side members 51 of the channel 45 are Welded to the respective end plates of the I-beams 27 and 42. The channel member 46 also includes a base plate 52 that is supported on a structural angle 53 that is welded to the end plates 33 and 34 of the I-beam 31 and a plate 54 that is welded between the end plates 44 of the I-beam 42. The channel 46 has side members 55 that are welded to the respective side members of the I-beams 42 and 31.

The bulkhead 25 is supported for longitudinal movement along the car 21 upon a left hand track assembly 56 and a right hand track assembly 57 that are fixed at the top of the car 2.1. A trolley beam assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 58, facilitates movement of the bulkhead assembly 25 along the track assemblies 56 and 57. Since the left hand and right hand track assemlies 56 and 57 are identical in construction, only one will be described in detail. The track assemblies include a structural angle having a horizontally extending base leg S that is provided with a plurality of equally spaced circular apertures 59 (FIGURE 4) along its length. The structural angle may be affixed to the side walls of the railway car 21 in any suitable manner, as by welding. A smaller structural angle 61 having an upstanding leg 62 is affixed to the base leg 58, as by welding, on the inboard side of the apertures 59. A horizontally extending leg 63 of the vangle 61 is provided with a plurality of equally spaced circular apertures 64, which are smaller in diameter than the aper. tures 59.

The trolley beam assembly 58 (FIGURE 1) supports cog wheels 65 and 66 at each side thereof that have a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth that engage the apertures 64 to function as a rack and pinion so that the bulkhead assembly 25 may be moved laxially along the tracks 56 and 57. Referring now in detail to FIGURE 3, the trolley beam assembly 58 is made up of a plurality of concentrically disposed shafts including a tubular shaft 67 that extends across the bulkhead frame 26 substantially the full length of the upper I-beam 35. The outer ends of the tubular shaft 67 are journaled in left and right hand bearing assemblies 68 and 69 that are supported upon brackets 71 and 72 (FIGURE 2) that are lafxed to the I- beam 35 and the I-beams 27 and 31, respectively. The cog wheels`65 and 66 are fixed to shafts 73 and 74, respectively, that extend into the hollow outer ends of the tubular member 67 on the outer side of the bearing assemblies 68 and 69. Support collars 75 and 76 are positioned upon the shafts 73 and 74 between the cog wheels 65 and 66 and the bearing assemblies 68 and 69, respectively. A pair of roller retainers 77 and 78 having depending, outwardly extending hooks '79 and 81 are positioned upon the bearing assemblies 68 and 69 adjacent to the support collars 75 and 76. It will be noted that clearances 82 and 83 exist between the roller retainers 77 and 78 and the support collars 75 and 76. This clearance permits the bulkhead frame 26 to be moved transversely with respect to the supporting tracks 56 and 57 without the cog wheels 65 and 66 becoming disengaged from the tracks.

The shafts 73 and 74 are formed with longitudinally extending keyways 84 and 85 that receive keys 86 and 87 that are aixed at each side to the tubular shaft 67. The interengagement between the keys 86 and 87 and keyways` 84 and 85 insure that the shafts-73 and 74 will rotate with the tubular shaft 67;

A cylindrical collar 88 is welded at its inner end to the left hand side of the tubular shaft 67 inwardly of the bearing assembly 68. An intermediate portion of the cylindrical collar 88 is welded to `an outer tubular shaft 89 that extends between the bearing assemblies 68 and 69 at a spaced distance `inwardly therefrom. A bearing washer 91 is welded to the outer end of the tubular member 88 and a clearance 92 extends between the left hand face of the bearing washer 91 and the adjacent surface of the bearing assembly 68. A collar 93 is interposed between the tubular shaft 67 and the bore of the tubular shaft 89 at the center of the hanger bar assembly 58. Holes 94 are positioned in the outer tubular shaft 89 adjacent to the collar 93 to permit the collar 93 to be welded to the shaft 89. The collar 93 is journaled upon the tubular shaft 67. A collar 95 is affixed, as by welding, to the right-hand end of the tubular shaft 89, and a bearing washer 96 is welded to the outer end of the collar 95. The collar 95 is also journaled upon thevtubular shaft 67 and a clearance 97 exists between the right hand face of the bearing Washer 96 and the adjacent face of the bearing assembly 69.

It should be noted that the trolley beam assembly 58 is constructed in such a manner that it may be disassembled by removing the shafts 73 and 74 from the tubular member 67 and disassembling the remaining portion of the -assembly 58 without necessitating removal of the bearing assemblies 68 and 69. Rotation of either cog wheel 65 or 66, however, will be accompanied by simultaneous rotation of the other cog wheel so that the bulkhead assembly 25 can be moved easily along the tracks 56 and 57 without binding. The bulkhead frame 26 also may be moved slightly longitudinally relative to the tracks 56 and 57 because of the clearances 82 and 83. The upstanding legs 62 of the structural angles 61 preclude the cog wheels 65 and 66 from becoming disengaged with the track assemblies 56 and 57, however. The lateral movement assists in aligning the locking pin assemblies now to be described, with the corresponding portions of the railway car 21.

The apertures 59 in the angle legs 58 of the track assemblies 56 and 57 provide a means for the locking of the bulkhead assembly 25 in its adjusted position relative to the railway car 21. Similar apertures are formed in the floor plate 24 of the railway car 21. A pair of channel shaped members 101 and 102 are xed to the bottom of the floor plate 24 below the corresponding apertures in it (FIGURE l) to protect the locking pins that coact with these apertures.

The locking pin assembly that is carried by the bulkhead frame 26 will now be described by particular reference to FIGURE 5. A similar locking pin assembly is provided at each side of the bulkhead 25 and only one side, the right hand side, kwill be described in detail` The locking pin assembly includes an upper locking pin 103 and a lower locking pin 104. The locking pins 103 and 104 are supported for reciprocation within guides 105 and 106, respectively. The guide 105 is aixed to the web 37 of the upper I-beam 35 and a portion of the bracket 72 that supports the bearing assembly 69 (FIGURE 2). The guide 106 is likewise supported in the web 39 of the lower I-beam 36 and a plate 107 that extends between the end plates 33 and 34 of the I-beam 31.

The lower end of the locking pin 103 is pivotally connected to the upper end of a link 108 which is, in turn, pivotally connected at its lower end to the outer arm of a lever 109. The lever 109 is pivoted at its inner end upon a bracket 111 that is affixed to the end plate 33 of the I- beam 31. A link 112 is pivotally connected to the lever 109 at `a point between its pivotal connections to the bracket 111 and the link 108. The lower end of the link 112 is pivoted upon a collar 113 that is afxed to the outer end of the torsion tube 114.

The upper end of the lower locking pin 104 is pivotally connected to the lower end of a link 115.`The upper end of the link 115 is pivotally connected to the outer end of the lever 116, the other end of which is pivoted upon a bracket 117 that is secured to the end plate 34 of the I- beam 31. The lower end of a link 118 is pivotally connected to the lever 116 between its pivotal `connections to the bracket 117 and the` link 115. The upper end of the link 118 is pivotally connected to the collar 113. It should be readily apparent that rotation of the torsion tube 114 and collar 113 causes reciprocation of the locking pins 103 and 104 through the links 108,112,115, and 118 and the levers 109 and 116.

As has been noted, the structure for actuating the locking pins 103 and 104 at the left hand side of the bulkhead assembly 26 is the same as that described for the right hand side locking pins. The actuating structure for the locking pins 103 and 104 at the left hand side of the bulk-r head assembly 26 includesa torsion tube 119 that is substantially the same as the torsion tube 114 at the right hand side of the frame.

The torsion tubes 114 and 119 are connected for simultaneous rotation by tubular shafts 121 and 122 that are axed to the inner ends of the torsion tubes 114 and 119, respectively. A square shaft 123 and a square shaft 124 are keyed to the inner ends of the tubular shafts 121 and 122, respectively. The square shafts 123 and 124 are received in complementary shaped apertures formed within a collar 125.

It should be clear that the torsion tubes 114, 119, shafts 121, 122 and collar 125 all rotate in unison because of their interconnection and thus form a single torsion member assembly. The locking pins 103 and 104 at each side of the frame, therefore, will be actuated simultaneously upon rotation of any element of the interconnecting shafting and torsion tubes. It will be further noted that the shaft 121 is slightly longer than the Shaft 122 since the collar 125 is positioned upon the left hand side of the center I-beam 42 of the bulkhead frame 26.

The shafts 121 and 122 are supported in pillow blocks 126 and 127 that depend from the channel shaped members 46 and 45, respectively. A pillow block 128 is also aliixed to the web 43 of the I-beam 42 to support the inner end of the shaft 121. A similar pillow block 129 supports the inner end of the shaft 122. The pillow block 129 is aixed to a bracket 131 that depends from the channel shaped members 45.

A left operating handle assembly 132, a light operating handle assembly 133 and a center operating handle assembly 134 are provided so that the locking pins 103 and 104 may be released from either the left or right sides of the bulkhead assembly or from the center of the bulkhead assembly 25. The operating handle assemblies 132, 133 and 134 are all constructed, however, to permit operation of the locking pins 103 and 104 by any of the operating handle assemblies without simultaneous rotation or actuation of the remaining operating handle assemblies.

Referring first to FIGURES 7 and 8 and the center handle assembly 134, a U-shaped bracket 135 with upstanding arms 136 and 137 is journaled upon the inner ends of the tubular shafts 121 and 122. A tubular member 138 is aixed to and depends from the U-shaped bracket 135. The lower end of the tubular member 138 is telescopically received within a tubular member 139 that is contained within a tubular piece 141. The tubular piece 141 is closed at its lower end by a plate 142 having an aperture 143 through which the tubular member 139 extends. The tubular member 139 is provided with an outwardly extending ange or shoulder 144 at its upper end that slides Within the tubular piece 141. A `coil compression spring 145 engages the plate 142 and the ange or shoulder 144 to urge the tubular member 139 upwardly with respect to the tubular piece 141. The upper end of the tubular piece 141 is enclosed by a rectangular plate 146 having a circular aperture 147 through which the tubular member 138 passes.

A locking pin 148 is supported for reciprocation with the tubular member 138. The lower end of the locking pin 14S is aflixed to a plug 149 as by a Weld 151. The plug 149 is afhxed, as by a weld 152, to the lower end of a tubular member 139. The upper end of the locking pin 149 is chamfered, as at 153, and engages a shoulder 154 formed on the Icollar 125. A radially extending bore 155 also is provided in the collar 125 in alignment with the chamfered upper end of the locking pin 148.

A pair of links 157 are pivotally connected by a pin 158 to a bracket 159 that extends between the bracket 131 and the rear end plate 44 of the I-beam 42. The lower end of the links 157 are pivotally connected by a pin 161 to an upstanding arm 162 that is affixed, as by welding, to the upper side of the plate 146. The links 157 lie at each side of the tubular member 138 and behind it. The links 157 are interconnected by bars 163 and 164.

A latch assembly, indicated generally by the reference 6 numeral 165, is provided to retain the lower end of the center operating handle assembly 134 in its normal vertical position and to resist movement thereof. The latch assembly 165 includes a supporting bracket 166 that is aflxed, as by welding, to the I-beam 42. A latching member 167 is pivotally supported relative to the mounting bracket 166 by a pivot pin 168. A torsion spring (not shown) normally urges the latching member 167 into engagement with the lower end of the tubular member 139 to hold the operating handle assembly 134 against rotation.

When it is desired to release the locking pins 103 and 104, the lower end of the tubular member 139 of the operating handle 134 is grasped. The operator pulls outwardly upon the tubular member 139 to cause the handle assembly 134 to rotate upon the shafts 121 and 122. The latching member 167 of the latch mechanism 165 will rotate about the pin assembly 168 during this operation. As the tubular member 139 is rotated the links 157 pivot about the pivot pin 158, the center of which is offset from the center of rotation of the tubular member 139 (the shafts 121 and 122). The different location of `the centers of rotation causes the plate 146 4and tubular piece 141 to be drawn inwardly. The coil spring 145 has suicient pre- -compression to transmit the upward movement to the tubular member 139 without compression. The locking pin 149 which has been in engagement with the shoulder 154 will also cause rotation of the collar 125. A latch mechanism, indicated generally by the reference numeral 169, is provided to preclude rotation of the collar except when release of the locking pins 103 and 104 is desired. It will be assumed for the purpose of description that the latch 169 has been released. The operation of the latch 169 will become apparent as this description proceeds. Initial rotation of the collar 125 because of the contact of the locking pin 148 with the shoulder 154 will cause rotation of the shafts 121 and 122 as well as the torsion tubes 114 and 119. The locking pins 103 and 104 will move only very slightly during this initial rotation, however, due to the geometry of the actuating linkage which interconnects the locking pins 103 and 104 with the torsion tubes 114 and 119.

The locking pin 148 is drawn upwardly due to its connection with the tubular member 139 and the relative incompressibility of the spring because of the oifset relationship of the axes of rotations of the links 157 and the tubular member 139. As the locking pin 148 is drawn upwardly, it will enter the radially extending bore so that the operating handle assembly 134 becomes positively coupled to the collar 125. After the locking pin 148 becomes fully engaged with the bore 155, the coil spring 145 will yield to permit continued rotation of the tubular member 139. Continued rotation of the tubular member 139 results in rotation of the shafts 121 and 122 and the` torsion tubes 114 and 119 to release the locking pins 103 and 104 from engagement with the recesses in their respective tracks whereby the bulkhead assembly 25 may be rolled along the length of the car 21 to the desired position. When the desired position is reached, the operating handle assembly 134 is returned to its normal vertical position and the locking pins 103 and 104 reengage with their respective track assemblies to lock the bulkhead 25 in position.

Referring now to the side operating handle assemblies 132 and 133, since they are identical in construction with the exception of being symmetrically opposite, only one side will be described in detail. Referring now to FIG- URES 9 through 12 where the right hand handle assembly 133 is shown in detail, the torsion tube 114 is formed with an axially extending bore 171 that receives a shaft assembly 172. The shaft assembly 172 has an inner end portion 173 that is slidably received within the bore 171 and an outer portion 174 of substantially the same diameter as the portion 173 is slidably received in the outer end of the bore 171. A reduced diameter portion 175 interconnects the portions 173 and 174. An operating handle` 176 is affixed to the outer end of the shaft 172 as by. a key 177. A coil spring 17 8 is contained within the bore 171 and engages the right hand end of the shaft 121 and the left hand end of the shaft 172 normally urge the shaft 172 to a rst, axially outward position relative to the torsion member 114. An angle shaped bracket or latch 179 (FIGURE 12) is afxed to the end plate 34 of the I- beam 31 to hold the handle 176 in an inward position and `correspondingly compress the spring 178 and retain the shaft 172 in a second, axial inward position. A screw 181 extends through the torsion tube 114 adjacent the reduced diameter portion 175 of the shaft 172. The shoulders formed by the intersection of the reduced diameter portion 175 with the larger diameter portions 173 and 175 will contact the screw 181 to limit the movement of the shaft 172 relative to thetorsion tube 114 in each direction.

A keyway or slot 182 is formed in the inner shaft portion 173. A mating key 183 is aixed to the torsion tube 114. When the shaft 172 is in its axial inward position, the key 183 does not engage the keyway 182 and thetorsion tube 114 may rotate with respect to the shaft 172. It should be readily apparent, therefore, that when the locking pins 103 and 104 are actuated by the center operating handle assembly 134 the operating handle 176 and shaft 172 will not rotate. In a like manner, if the locking pins 103 and 104 are being actuated by the operating handle at one side of the bulkhead assembly 25, the handle at the other side will not rotate. The center operating handle assembly 134 also will not rotate when either of the side operating handle assemblies 132 and 133 are being used.

When it is desired to unlatch the locking pins 103 and 104 by means of the side operating handle assemblies 132 or 133, the shaft 172 is pushed inwardly slightly by exerting an inward pressure upon the operating handle 176.

The inward movement will permit the handle 176 to be moved clear of the latch 179 whereupon the shaft 172 and operating handle 176 will be urged outwardly by the coil spring 178 when the keyway 182 is aligned with the key 183. The outward movement of the shaft 172 will cause the handle 176 to move free vfrom the space between the end plates 33 and 34 of the I-beam 31 so that it may be rotated sufficiently to permit unlatching of he locking pins 103 and 104. The latch mechanism 169 that engages the collar 125, of course, must be released before the locking pins 103 and 104 may be actuated by the operating handle 176. When the shaft 172 is coupled to the torsion member 114 by the key 183 and keyway 182, rotation of the handle 176 will be transmitted into rotation of the torsion member 114 to operate the locking pins 103 and 104 in the previously described manner.

Referring now in detail to the latch mechanism 169 that locks the collar 125, the shafts 121 and 122 and the torsion tubes 114 and 119 against rotation, it will be noted thata single lock precludes rotation of these elements. Means are provided adjacent each of the operating handle assemblies 132, 133 and 134 to release the latch mechanism 169, however, so that the bulkhead assembly may be released and latched from any position yrelative to it.

Referring now specifically to FIGURE 6, the latch mechanism 169 comprises a shaft 186 having end portions 187 and 188 that extend through apertures formed in the bracket 129 and the web 43 of the I-beam 42. Preferably, the end portions 187 and 188 are square as are the apertures in the bracket 129 and the web 43 so that the shaft 186 can not rotate. An enlarged central portion 189 -of the shaft 186 is formed with a tooth or key 191 that is' adapted to be received in a corresponding slot or keyway 192 formed in the collar 125. The central portion of the shaft 186 may be enclosed and protected by a channel shaped member, indicated generally by the reference numeral 193.

Coil springs 194 and 195encircle the shaft portions 187 and 188, respectively. Pins 196 and 197 are afxed to the outer ends of the shaft portions 187 and 188. The pins 196 and 197 extend into longitudinally extending slots 198 and 199 formed in channel shaped members 201 and 202, respectively, and are normally centered therein by the coil springs 194 and 195. The channel shaped members 201 and 202 are xed to actuating rods 203 and 204,

respectively. Each of the actuating rods 203 and 204 exr tends through an aperture formed in the web of the I-beam at the respective side of the bulkhead frame 26. The outer ends of the actuating rods 203 and 204 are substantially the same with the exception 0f being symmetrically opposite and the actuating rod 204 at the right hand side of the bulkhead assembly will be described in detail by reference to FIGURES 9 and l1.

The outer end of the actuating rod 204 extends through an aperture in the web 32 and is supported for rotation by a bracket assembly 205. The exposed end of the actuating rod 204 has a depending, offset handle portion 206 s that extends behind the operating handle 176 of the operating handle assembly 133. The handle portion 206 contacts the handle 17 6 so that the rod 204 will be urged inwardly when the handle 176 is `held inwardlyv by its engagement with the latch assembly 179. When the actuating rods 203 and 204 are in their inner position,

as shown in the drawings, the pins 196 and 197 are centered in the slots 198 and 199`by the coil springs 194 and 195, as has been noted.

When it is desired to release the latch 169 so that the locking pins 103 and 104 may be actuated `by the operating handle assembly 133, the operating handle 176 is released from its latch 179. When `the handle 176 is urged outwardly from the I-beam 31, the handle portion 206 of the actuating rod 204 may be grasped. By pulling the rod 204 outwardly, the channel shaped member moves relative to the pin 197 until the end of the slot 199 engages it. Further movement causes the shaft 186 to be moved to the right as viewed in FIGURE 6. The key 191 is then moved free of the slot 192 in the collar 125 so that the collar 125, the shafts 121 and 122 and the torsion members 114 and 119 may be rotated. The operating rod 203 at` the left hand side of the bulkhead assembly will not be disturbed, however, since the pin 196, which was previously centered within the slot 198 may move relative to it. It should be noted that the handle 176 cannot be reinserted behind the latch 179 until the actuating rod 204 is again returned to its inward position and the latch 169 is engaged. The operation of the latch 169 by the actuating rod 203 at the left hand side of vthe bulkhead assembly 25 appears to be evident and it will not be described in detail.

Release means are provided so that the latch 169 may be released by an operator standing adjacent to the center operating handle assembly 134. This release means comprises a tubular member 205 that is journaled for sliding motion upon the shaft 122.` The tubular member has a depending handle or arm 206. A rearwardly extending bracket 207 is affixed to the tubular member 205. The pin 196 extends through an aperture in the bracket 207 so that the bracket 207 and` tubular mem` ber 205 will move simultaneously with movement of the pin 196, although, if desired, a lost motion connection could be provided between the bracket 207 in the pin 196 similar to those provided between the operating rods 203 and 204.

When it is desired to release the latch 169 from the center of the bulkhead assembly 25, the handle 206 is grasped and the tubular member 205 is slid either to the right or to the left upon the shaft 122. This will cause the pin 196 to be moved in the same direction and cause movement of the shaft 186 in the same direction whereby the key 191 will move free of the keyway 192 in the collar 125. The collar may then be rotated by rotation of the operating handle assembly 134.

t should be readily apparent that a simplified structure has been provided for actuating locking pins at all four corners of an adjustable bulkhead by means of any one of a plurality of operating handles that are positioned at various points upon the bulkhead. The side operating handles may be utilized to release the bulkhead if it is positioned in alignment with a side door of the railway car. The center operating handle may be utilized when it is possible to have access to the front face of the bulkhead. Operation of any one of the operating handles will cause simultaneous operation of all of the locking pins without resulting movement of the remaining handles. In addition, a simple latching mechanism is provided to insure against premature release of the locking pins and this single latch may be released by an operator that is positioned at any of the operating handie assemblies.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A locking mechanism for retaining a device in a preselected position, said locking mechanism including a locking member, means supporting said locking member upon said device for movement into and out of engagement with a cooperating locking member, a torsion member supported upon said device for rotation, means operatively connecting said torsion member to said locking member for operating said locking member upon rotation of said torsion member, said torsion member having a radially extending bore formed therein, an operating handle journaled for rotation upon said torsion member contiguous t said bore, said operating handle being rotatable from an at-rest position to a locking mechanism actuating position, a pin supported for reciprocation by said operating handle, said pin being juxtaposed to said bore and out of engagement with said bore when said operating handle is in its at-rest position, and motion transmitting means for reciprocating said pin into engagement with said bore -upon rotation of said operating handle from its at-rest position toward its locking mechanism actuating position for simultaneous rotation of said torsion member and said operating handle upon continued rotation of said operating handle to its locking mechanism actuating position.

2. A locking mechanism as set forth in claim 1 further including latch means for precluding rotation of lthe operating handle.

3. A locking mechanism as set forth in claim 1 further including latch means for precluding rotation of the torsion member.

4. A locking mechanism for retaining a device in a preselected position, said locking mechanism including a locking member, means supporting said locking member upon said device for movement into and out of engagement with a cooperating locking member, an actuating shaft, means supporting said actuating shaft for rotation upon said device, means interconnecting said actuating shaft to said locking member for actuation of said locking member upon rotation of said actuating shaft, a plurality of operating handles supported by said device for rotation relative to said actuating shaft, a plurality of selectively engagable coupling means between each of said operating handles and said actuating shaft for coupling selected ones of said operating handles to said actuating shaft for rotation of said actuating shaft and actuation of said locking member upon rotation of any selected one of said Ihandles, a single latching means for limiting rotation of said actuating shaft, and separate means adjacent to each of said operating handles for selectively releasing said late-hing means lwhereby said locking member may be actuated selectively by any of said handles.

5. A locking mechanism for retaining a device in a preselected position, said locking mechanism including a locking member, means supporting said locking member upon said device for movement into and out of engagement with a cooperating locking member, a tubular torsion member supported upon said device for rotation, means interconnecting said torsion member to said locking member for actuating said locking member upon rotation of said torsion member, said torsion member having a bore formed in one end thereof, a shaft extending into said bore and supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shaft being axially movable between rst and second axial positions within said bore, anl interengaging key and keyway upon said shaft and said torsion member, said key and said keyway being in engagement when said shaft is in its first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of said shaft, said key and said keyway being out of engagement when said shaft is in its second axial position for relative rotation of said shaft and said torsion member, and a handle affixed to the end of said shaft for rotating said shaft.

6. A locking mechanism for retaining a device in a preselected position, said locking mechanism including a locking member, means supporting said locking member upon said device for movement into and out of engagement with a cooperating locking member, a tu-bular torsion member supported -upon said device for rotation, means interconnecting said torsion member to said locking member for actuating said locking member upon rotation of said torsion member, said torsion member having an axially extending bore formed in one end thereof, a shaft extending into said bore and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shaft being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said bore, biasing means interposed between said torsion member and said shaft for urging said shaft toward one of said axial positions, an interengaging key and keyway upon said shaft and said torsion member, said key and said key-way being in engagement when said shaft is in its first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of said shaft, said key and said keyway being out of engagement lwhen said shaft is in its second axial position for relative rotation between said shaft and said torsion member, and a handle affixed to the exposed end of said shaft for rotating said shaft.

7. A locking mechanism for retaining a device in a preselected position, said locking mechanism including a locking member, means supporting said locking member upon said device for movement into and out of engagement with a cooperating locking member, a tubular torsion :member supported upon said device for rotation, means interconnecting said torsion member to said locking member for actuating said locking member upon rotation of said torsion member, said torsion member having an axially extending bore formed in one end thereof, a shaft extending into said bore and -being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shaft being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said bore, biasing means interposed between said torsion member and said shaft for urging said shaft toward its first axial position, an intereugaging key and keyway upon said shaft and said torsion member, said key and said keyway being in engagement when said shaft is in its first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of said shaft, said key and said keyway being out of engagement when said shaft is in its second axial position for relative rotation of said shaft and said torsion member, a handle affixed to the exposed end of said shaft for rotating said shaft, and selectively releasable latch means acting upon said handle for resisting the action of said biasing means and retaining said shaft in its second axial position.

8. A locking mechanism for retaining a device in a preselected position, said locking mechanism including a locking member, means supporting said locking member upon said device for movement into and out of engagement with a cooperating locking member, a tubular torsion member supported -upon said device for rotation, means interconnecting said torsion member to said locking member for actuating said locking member upon rotation of said torsion member, said torsion member having an axially extending bore formed in one end thereof, a shaft extending into said bore and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shaft being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said bore, an interengaging key and keyway upon said shaft and said torsion member, said key and said keyway being in engagement when said shaft is in its first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of said shaft, said key and said keyway being out of engagement when said shaft is in its second axial position for relative rotation of said torsion member and said shaft, a handle fixed to the end of said shaft for rotating said shaft, and selectively releasable latching means for precluding rotation of said torsion member.

9. A locking mechanism for retaining a device in a preselected position, said locking mechanism including a locking member, means supporting said locking member upon said device for movement into and out of engagement with a cooperating locking member, a tubular torsion member supported upon said device for rotation, means interconnecting said torsion member to said looking member for actuation of said locking member upon rotation of said torsion member, said tubular torsion member having an axially extending bore formed in one endy thereof, a shaft extending into said bore and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shaft being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said bore, an interengaging key and keyway upon said shaft and said torsion member, said key and said keyway being in engagement when said shaft is in its first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of said shaft, said key and said keyway being out of engagement when said shaft is in its second axial position for relative rotation of said shaft and said torsion member, a latch for precluding rotation of said torsion member, an operating means for said latch, and a handle affixed to the end of said shaft for rotating said shaft, said handle being positioned to preclude the operation of said latch operating means when said shaft is in said second axial position.

10. A locking mechanism for retaining a device in a preselected position, said locking mechanism'including a locking member, means supporting said locking member upon said device for movement into and out of engagement with a cooperating locking member, a tubular torsion member supported upon said device for rotation, means interconnecting said torsion member to said locking member for actuating said locking member upon rotation of said torsion member, said torsion member having an axially extending bore formed in one end thereof, a shaft extending into said bore and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shaft being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said bore, biasing means for urging said shaft to its axial position, an interengaging key and keyway upon said shaft and said torsion member, said key and said keyway being in engagement when said shaft is in its first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of said shaft, said key and said keyway being out of engagement when said shaft is in its second axial position for relative rotation of said torsion` member and said shaft, a handle affixed to the exposed end of said shaft for rotating said shaft, latching means cooperating with said handle forlocking said shaft in said second axial position, locking means for precluding rotation of said torsion member, and an actuating device for said locking means, said handle being positioned to preclude release of said locking means by its actuating device when said shaft` is in its said second axial position.

11. An adjustable bulkhead for retaining articles within a yrailway car comprising a frame adapted to extend transversely of the car, locking means carried by said frame at each side `thereof for fixing said frame relative to the car, a tubular torsion member extending across said frame, means interconnecting said torsion member to said looking means for actuating said locking means upon rotation of said torsion member, said torsion Imember having an axially extending bore formed in each end thereof, a shaft extending into said bores and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said s-haft being axially movable between first and second axial position within said bores, interengaging keys and keyways upon each of said shafts and the respective ends of said torsion member, said keys and said keyways being in engagement when said shafts are in their first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of either of said shafts when in its first axial position, said keys and said keyways being out of engagement when said shafts are in said second axial position for relative rotation between said torsion member and said shafts, and a handle aiiixed to the ends of each of said shafts for rotating said shafts.

12. An adjustable bulkhead for retaining articles within a railway car comprising a frame adapted to extend transversely of the car, locking means carried by said frame at each side thereof for fixing said frame relative to the car, a tubular torsion member extending across said frame and journaled for rotation therein, means interconnecting said torsion member to said locking means for actuating said locking means upon rotation of said torsion member, said torsion member having axially extending bores in each end thereof, shafts extending into each of said bores and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shafts being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said bores, biasing means interposed between said tubular member and said shafts for urging said shafts toward their first axial positions, interengaging keys and keyways upon said shafts and the respective ends of said torsion member, said keys and said keyways being in engagement when said shafts are in their first axial positions for rotation of said torsion member `upon rotation of either of said shafts, said keys and said keyways being out of engagement when said shafts are in their second axial positions for relative rotation between said torsion memberk and said shafts, a lhandle affixed to the end of each of said shafts for rotating said shafts, and latching means coacting with said handles for retaining said shafts in their second axial position.

13. An' adjustable bulkhead for restraining articles within a railway car comprising a frame adapted to extend transversely of the car, locking means carried by each side of said frame for vfixing said frame relative to the car, a tubular torsion member extending across said frame and journaled for rotation therein, means interconnecting said torsion member to said locking means for actuating said locking means upon rotation of said torsion member, said torsion member having an axially extending bore formed in each end thereof, shafts extending into each of said bores and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shafts being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said bores, interengaging keys and keyways upon said shafts and the respective ends of said torsion member, said keys and said keyways being in engagement when shafts are in their first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of either of said shafts, said keys and said keyways being out of engagement when said shafts are in their second axial position for relative rotation between said torsion member and 13 said shafts, latohin'g ymeans Afor precluding rotation of said 'torsion member, actuating means for said latching means adjacent each side of said frame, and a handle affixed to the end of each of said shafts for rotation of said shafts.

14. An adjustable bulkhead for restraining articles within a railway car comprising a frame adapted to extend transversely of the car, locking pins supported for reciprocation at eac-h side of said frame for fixing said frame relative to the car, a tubular torsion member extending across said frame and supported for rotation therein, means interconnecting said torsion member to said locking pins for act-nation of said locking pins upon rotation of said torsion member, said torsion member having an axially extending bore formed in each end thereof, shafts extending into each of said bores and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shafts being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said bores, biasing means interposed between said torsion member and each of said shafts for urging said shafts toward thei-r first axial positions, interengaging keys and keyways upon said shafts and the respective ends of said torsion member, said keys and said keyways being in engagement when said shafts are in their first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of either of said shafts, said keys and said keyways -being out of engagement when said shafts are in their second axial position for relative rotation between said shafts and said torsion member, a handle atixed to the end of each of said shafts for rotating said shafts, first latching means disposed at each side of said frame and adapted to coact with each of said handles for locking each of said shafts in their second axial positions, second latch means for locking said torsion member against rotation, and actuating means for said second latch means disposed at each side of said frame, said handles being disposed to preclude operation of said actuating means at the respective side of said frame when the respective shaft is in its second axial position.

15. An adjustable bulkhead for restraining articles within a railway car comprising a frame adapted to extend transversely of the car, locking means carried by said frame for fixing said frame relative to the car, a torsion member supported for rotation relative to said frame, means operatively connecting said torsion member to said locking means for actuating said locking means upon rotation of said torsion member, an operating handle journaled for rotation upon said torsion member, said operating handle being supported for rotation from an atarest position to a locking means actuating position, said torsion member having a radially extending bore formed therein, a pin supported for reciprocation by said operating handle, said pin being juxtaposed to said bore and out of engagement Iwith said bore when said operating handle is in its at-rest position, and motion transmitting means for reciprocating said pin into engagement with said bore upon rotation of said operating handle from its at-rest position toward its locking means actuating position for simultaneous rotation of said torsion member and said operating handle upon continued rotation of said operating handle to its locking means actuating position.

16. An adjustable bulkhead for restraining articles within a railway car comprising a frame adapted to extend transversely 4of the car, locking means carried by said frame for fixing said frame relative to the car, a torsion member supported for rotation relative to said frame, means operatively connecting said torsion member to said locking means for actuating said locking means upon rotation of said torsion member, an operating handle journaled for rotation upon said torsion member, said torsion member having a radially extending bore formed therein, a pin supported for reciprocation by said operating handle, motion transmitting means for reciprocating said pin into engagement with said bore upon rota- 14 tion of said operating handle for simultaneous rotation of said torsion member and said operating handle, and a selectively releasable latch for limiting the rotation of said handle.

17. An adjustable bulkhead for restraining articles Within a railway car comprising a frame adapted to extend transversely of the car, locking means carried by said frame for fixing said frame relative to the car, a torsion member supported for rotation relative to said frame, means operatively connecting said torsion member to said locking means for actuating said locking means upon rotation of said torsion member, an operating handle journaled for rotation upon said torsion member, said torsion member having a radially extending bore formed therein, a pin supported for reciprocation by said operating handle, motion transmitting means for reciprocating said pin into engagement with said bore upon rotation of said operating handle for simultaneous rotation of said torsion member and said operating handle, and a selectively releasable latch for precluding rotation of said torsion member.

18. A locking mechanism for retaining a device in a preselected position, said locking mechanism including a locking member, means supporting said locking member upon said device for movement into and out of engagement with a cooperating locking member, a torsion member supported upon said device for rotation, means operatively connecting said torsion member to said locking member for actuating said locking member upon rotation of said torsion member, said torsion member having an axially extending bore formed in .one end thereof, a shaft extending into said axially extending bore and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shaft being axially movable between first and second axial positions Within said axially extending bore, an interengaging key and keyway upon said shaft and said torsion member, said key and said keyway being in engagement when said shaft is in its first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of said shaft, said key and said keyway being out of engagement when said shaft is in its second axial position for relative rotation between said torsion member and said shaft, a first operating handle affixed to the exposed end of said shaft for rotating said shaft, a radially extending bore formed in said torsion member at a position spaced from said one end, a second operating handle journaled for rotation upon said torsion member contiguous to said radially extending bore, a pin supported for reciprocation by said second operating handle, and motion transmitting means for reciprocating said pin into engagement with said radially extending bore upon rotation -of said second operating handle for simultaneous rotation of said torsion member and said second operating handle.

19. An adjustable bulkhead for restraining articles within a railway car comprising a frame adapted to extend transversely of the car, locking means carried by said frame for fixing said frame relative to the car, a torsion member journaled for rotation by said frame and extending to one side thereof, means interconnecting said torsion member to said locking means for actuating said locking means upon rotation of said torsion member, said torsion member having an axial bore formed in the end thereof adjacent to said one side of said frame, a shaft extending into said axial bore and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shaft being axially movable between rst and second axial positions within said axial bore, an interengaging key and keyway upon said shaft and said torsion member, said key and said keyway being in engagement when said shaft is in its rst axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of said shaft, said key and said keyway being out of engagement when said shaft is in its second axial position for relative rotation between said torsion member and said shaft, a first operating handle atixed to the exposed end of said shaft for rotating said shaft, said torsion member having a radially extending bore forme-d therein at a position spaced from said one side of said frame, a second operating handle journaled for rotation upon said torsion member contiguous to said radially extending bore, a pin supported for reciprocation by said second operating handle, and motion transmitting means for reciprocating said pin into engagement with said radially extending bore upon rotation of said second operating handle for simultaneous rotation of said torsion member and said second operating handle.

20.A locking mechanism for retaining a device in a preselected position, said locking mechanism including a locking member, means supporting said locking member upon said device for movement into and out of engagement with a cooperating locking member, a torsion member supported upon said device for rotation, means operatively connecting said torsion member to said locking means for actuating said locking member upon rotation of said torsion member, said torsion member having an axially extending `bore formed in one end thereof, a shaft extending into said bore'and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shaft being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said bore, an interengaging key and keyway upon said shaft and said torsion member, said key and said keyway being in engagement when said shaft is in its first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of said shaft, said key and said keyway being out of engagement when said shaft is in its second axial position for relative rotationbetween said shaft and saidtorsion member, a first operating handle affixed to the exposed end of said shaft for rotating said shaft, said torsion member having a radially extending bore formed therein at a position spaced from said one end thereof, a second operating handle journaled for rotation upon said torsion member contiguous to said radially extending bore, a pin supported `for reciprocation by said second operating handle, motion transmitting means for reciprocating said pin into engagement with said radially extending bore upon rotation of said second operating handle for simultaneous rotation of said torsion member and said operating handle, ylatch means for precluding `rotation of said torsion member, and release means for said latch means contiguous to each of said operating handles.

21. An adjustable bulkhead for restraining articles within a railway car comprising a Vframe adapted toextend transversely of the car, locking means carried by said frame for fixing said frame relative to the car, a torsion member journaled for rotation by said frame and extending to one side thereof, means operatively connecting said torsion member to said locking means for actuating said locking means upon rotation of said torsion member, an axially extending bore formed in said torsion member at said one side of said frame, a shaft extending into said axially extending bore and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shaft being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said axially extending bore, an interengaging key and keyway upon said shaft and said torsion member, said key and said keyway being in engagement when said shaft is in its first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of said shaft, said key and said keyway being out of engagement when said shaft is in its second axial position for relative rotation between said shaft and said torsion member, a first operating handle afiixed to the exposed end of said shaft for rotating said shaft, said torsion member having a radially extending bore formed therein at a position spaced from said one side of said frame, a second operating handle journaled for rotation upon said torsion member contiguous to said radially extending bore, a pin supported for reciprocation by said second operating handle, motion transmitting means for reciprocating said pin into engagement with said radially exl-fu' tending bore upon rotation of said operating handle for simultaneous rotation of said torsion member and said second operating handle, latching means for precluding rotation of said torsion member, and release means for said latching means contiguous to each of said operating handles.`

22. An adjustable bulkhead for restraining articles within a railway car comprising a frame adapted to extend transversely of the car, locking means carried by said frame for fixing said frame relative to the car, a torsion member extending `across said frame and journaled for rotation therein, means operatively connecting said torsion member to said locking means for actuating said locking means upon rotation of said torsion member, an axially' extending bore `formed in each end of said torsion member, a shaft extending into each of said axially extending bores and being supported for rotation in axial movement therein, said shafts being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said axially extending bores, interengaging keys and keyways upon said shafts and the respective ends of said torsion member,-said keys and said keyways being in engagement when said shafts are in their first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of either of said shafts, said keys and said keyways being out of engagement when ysaid shafts are in their second axial position for relative rotation between said shafts and said torsion member, first and second operating handles afhxed to the respective exposed ends of said shafts for rotating said shafts, a radially extending bore formed in said torsion member contiguous to the center of said frame, a third operatin-g handle journaled for rotation upon said torsion member contiguous to said radially extending bore, a Ipin supported for reciprocation by said third operating handle, and motion transmitting means for reciprocating said pin into engagement with said radially extending bore upon rotation of said third operating handle for simultaneous rotation of said torsion member and said third operating handle.

23. An adjustable bulkhead for restraining articles within a railway car comprising a frame adapted to extend transversely of the car, locking means carried by said frame for fixing said frame relative to the car, a torsion mem-ber extending across said frame and journaled for rotation therein, means operatively connecting said torsion member to said locking means for actuating said locking means upon rotation of said torsion member, an axially extending bore formed in each end of said torsion member, a shaft extending into each of said axially extending bores and being supported for rotation in axial movement therein, said shafts being axially movable ybetween first and second axial positions within said axially extending bores, interengaging keys and keyways upon said shafts and the respective ends of said torsion member, said keys and said keyways being in engagement when said shafts are in their first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of either of said shafts, said keys and said keyways being out of engagement when said shafts are in their second axial position for relative rotation between said shafts and said torsion member, first and second operating handles affixed to the respective exposed ends of said shafts for rotating said shafts, a radially extending bore formed in said torsion member contiguous to the center of said` frame, a third operating handle journaled for rotation upon said torsion member contiguous to said radially extending bore, a pin supported for reciprocation by said third operating handle, motion transmitting means for reciprocating said pin into engagement with said radially extending bore upon rotation of said third operating liandle for simultaneous rotation of said torsion member and said third operating handle, a single latch for precludin-g rotation of said torsion member, and first, second and 'third 11,211,235@ means for said latch means contiguous to each of said operating handles whereby said latch means may be released at each of said operating handles.

24. An adjustable bulkhead for restraining articles within a railway car comprising a frame adapted to extend transversely of the car, locking means carried by said frame for fixing said frame relative to the car, a torsion member extending across said frame and supported for rotation thereby, means operatively connecting said torsion member to said locking means for actuating said locking means upon rotation of said torsion member, an axially extending bore formed in each end of said torsion member, a shaft extending into each of said bores and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shafts being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said axially extending bores, biasing means interposed between said shafts and the respective ends of said torsion member urging said shafts toward their first axial positions, interengaging keys and keyways upon siad shafts and the respective ends of said torsion members, said keys and said keyways being in engagement when said shafts are in their first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of either of said shafts, said keys and said keyways being out of engagement when said shafts are in their second axial position for relative rotation between said shafts and said torsion member, first and second operating handles affixed to the respective ends of each of said shafts for rotating said shafts, first and second latching means for retaining said shafts in their second axial positions, said torsion member having a radially extending bore contiguous to the center of said frame, a third operating handle journaled for rotation upon said torsion member contiguous to said radially extending bore, a pin supported for reciprocation by said third operating handle, and motion transmitting means for reciprocating said pin into engagement with said radially extending bore upon rotation of said third operating handle for simultaneous rotation of said torsion member and said third operating handle.

25. An adjustable bulkhead for restraining articles within a railway car comprising a frame adapted to extend transversely of the car, locking means carried by said frame for fixing said frame relative to the car, a torsion member extending across said frame and supported for rotation thereby, means operatively connecting said torsion member to said locking means for actuating said locking means upon rotation of said torsion member, an axially extending bore formed in each end of said torsion member, a shaft extending into each of said bores and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shafts being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said -axially extending bores, biasing means interposed between said shafts and the respective ends of said torsion member urging said shafts toward their first axial positions, interengaging keys and keyways upon said shafts and the respective ends of said torsion members, said keys and said keyways being in engagement when said shafts are in their first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of either of said shafts, said keys and said keyways being out of engagement when said shafts are in their second axial position for relative rotation between said shafts and said torsion member, first and second operating handles affixed to the respective ends of each of said shafts for rotating said shafts, first and second latching means for retaining said shafts in their second axial positions, said torsion member having a radially extending bore contiguous to the center of said frame, a third operating handle journaled for rotation upon said torsion member contiguous to said radially extending bore, a pin supported for reciprocation by said third operating handle, motion transmitting means for reciprocating said pin into engagement with said radially extending bore upon rotation of said third operating handle for simultaneous rotation of Said torsion member and said third operating handle, a third latching means for precluding rotation of said torsion member, and separate actuating means for releasing said third latching means positioned contiguous to each of said operating handles.

26. An adjustable bulkhead for restraining articles within a railway car comprising a frame adapted to extend transversely of the car, locking means carried by said frame for fixing said frame relative to the car, a torsion member extending across said frame and supported for rotation thereby, means operatively connecting said torsion member to said locking means for actuating said locking means upon rotation of said torsion member, an axially extending bore formed in each end of said torsion member, a shaft extending into each of said bores and being supported for rotation and axial movement therein, said shafts being axially movable between first and second axial positions within said axially extending bores, biasing means interposed between said shafts and the respective ends of said torsion member urging said shafts toward their first axial positions, interengaging keys and keyways upon said shafts and the respective ends of said torsion members, said keys and said keyways being in engagement when said shafts are in their first axial position for rotation of said torsion member upon rotation of either of said shafts, said keys and said keyways being out of engagement when said shafts are in their second axial position for relative rotation between said shafts and said torsion member, first and second operating handles affixed to the respective ends of each of said shafts for rotating said shafts, first and second latching means for retaining said shafts in their second axial positions, said torsion member having a radially extending bore contiguous to the center of said frame, a third operating handle journaled for rotation upon said torsion member contiguous to said radially extending bore, a pin supported for reciprocation by said third operating handle, motion transmitting means for reciprocating said pin into engagement with said radially extending bore upon rotation of said third operating handle for simultaneous rotation of said torsion member and said third operating handle, a third latching means for precluding rotation of said torsion member, and first, second and third actuating means for releasing said third latching means, each of said actuating means being positioned contiguous to one of said operating handles, the first and the second of said actuating means being disposed contiguous to said first and said second operating handles and being positioned so that said third latching means cannot be released by said first and said second actuating means when said shafts are in their second axial positions.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,056,815 10/1936 Wynn 105-369 3,018,741 l/1962 Loomis et al 10S-376 3,176,629 4/1965 Shaver 105-376 3,185,111 5/1965 Hess et al 10S- 376 3,191,546 6/1965 Adler 105-376 3,200,773 8/ 1965 Moorhead 105-376 3,208,403 9/ 1965 Magarian et al 105--376 3,209,707 10/ 1965 Erickson et al. 105--376 ARTHUR L. LA POINT, Primary Examiner.

DRAYTON E. HOFFMAN, Examiner. 

1. A LOCKING MECHANISM FOR RETAINING A DEVICE IN A PRESELECTED POSITION, SAID LOCKING MECHANISM INCLUDING A LOCKING MEMBER, MEANS SUPPORTING SAID LOCKING MEMBER UPON SAID DEVICE FOR MOVEMENT INTO AND OUT OF ENGAGEMENT WITH A COOPERATING LOCKING MEMBER, A TORSION MEMBER SUPPORTED UPON SAID DEVICE FOR ROTATION, MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTING SAID TORSION MEMBER TO SAID LOCKING MEMBER FOR OPERATING SAID LOCKING MEMBER UPON ROTATION OF SAID TORSION MEMBER, SAID TORSION MEMBER HAVING A RADIALLY EXTENDING BORE FORMED THEREIN, AN OPERATING HANDLE JOURNALED FOR ROTATION UPON SAID TORSION MEMBER CONTIGUOUS TO SAID BORE, SAID OPERATING HANDLE BEING ROTATABLE FROM AN AT-REST POSITION TO A LOCKING MECHANISM ACTUATING POSITION, A PIN SUPPORTED FOR RECIPROCATION BY SAID OPERATING HANDLE, SAID PIN BEING JUXTAPOSED TO SAID BORE AND OUT OF ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID BORE WHEN SAID OPERATING HANDLE IS IN ITS AT-REST POSITION, AND MOTION TRANSMITTING MEANS FOR RECIPROCATING SAID PIN INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID BORE UPON ROTATION OF SAID OPERATING HANDLE FROM ITS AT-REST POSITION TOWARD ITS LOCKING MECHANISM ACTUATING POSITION FOR SIMULTANEOUS ROTATION OF SAID TORSION MEMBER AND SAID OPERATING HANDLE UPON CONTINUED ROTATION OF SAID OPERATING HANDLE TO ITS LOCKING MECHANISM ACTUATING POSITION. 